People react to Max Verstappen's miracle ride in the rain

A race for the Formula 1 history books and retrospectives: drama, crashes, red flags. Max Verstappen dominates. He has even impressed critics in the countries of the World Cup challengers.

Max Verstappen enjoyed a sticky champagne and energy drink shower after his victory ride with the legend. There was no swearing, no anger like there had been a few hours earlier. Victory at the historic Formula 1 circuit in São Paulo and victory in a premier race acted like a turbocharged foiling catalyst, untouched even by those closest to him.

Kelly Piquet, her girlfriend and daughter of former Brazilian champion Nelson Piquet, looked up excitedly at the winner's podium at the José Carlos Pace Circuit. After chaotic rain, accidents and interruptions at Interlagos, father Jos Verstappen feels pure pride and overwhelming satisfaction: “The whole world has seen who is the best.” That's Max ·Verstappen.

The 27-year-old Dutchman's 62nd career Grand Prix victory was no ordinary victory. This is an extraordinary talent displayed at the most critical stage of the World Cup. Verstappen set the fastest lap of the race 17 times alone and was less than 20 seconds ahead of France's surprise runner-up Esteban Ocon in the Alpine race.

Spanish sports newspaper As wrote: “This is pure talent, pure magic in extreme conditions.” and demanded: “Give him the (World Cup) trophy now.”

The fourth title is very close

The Brazilian Grand Prix changed everything. Norris won Saturday's sprint race, while Verstappen only started 17th in the race, with challenger Lando Norris still credited with turning the tide at the World Championship. But Max Verstappen extended his lead from 44 points to 62 points with a “miracle ride” on Sunday. Initial decision? Brazilian sports newspaper Reims wrote: “The three-time champion now uses one hand and four fingers to win his fourth title.”

Verstappen will still have a 60-point lead over Lando Norris when the 24-year-old Briton will be beaten after the Las Vegas race in three weeks' time and Verstappen will finish fourth consecutively with Red Bull Won the world championship for the first time. “It's of course very important because in the end I thought I would drop points,” Verstappen explained after his win. But he wasn't thinking about his early decisions at the World Cup in Las Vegas: “I just want to race cleanly.” Verstappen was criticized three times for subtle moves in recent sprint races in Mexico (twice) and Brazil punishment. Relations with the match commissioner remain tense.

Father Jos Verstappen says constant criticism of his uncompromising, consistent driving style only spurs the world champion on: “They think they're taking him out of a good mood… but it just makes He gets better!”

Britain also praised

Max Verstappen did provide facts to back up his father's words. After four months without a win, the world was once again at his feet. Even in Britain, where critics are the most vocal, the Guardian and the Daily Mail reported on a “miracle tour.” Verstappen beat the elements. In 1,121 Formula 1 races, this was only the fifth time a driver had won from 17th position (or even further back).

Norris proved to be a sore loser.Image: trapezoid

What about Max Verstappen's big rival Lando Norris? For Norris, Verstappen's victory was “actually more about luck”. Despite being rivaled by Norris for most of the race, Verstappen was actually lucky – for example, he was able to change tires during one of his many interruptions without losing a second. But soon there were no more questions: “We kept calm. We flew!” said Verstappen. The winner is always right. (Abu/Sudan Development Authority/Department of Political Affairs)

In Germany, there are currently two strikers who form a league of their own: Harry Kane and Omar Marmouche. They shone again in big wins at Bayern and Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Kiel Holstein celebrated their first Bundesliga win in the club's history.

Borussia Dortmund and their coach Nouri Shaheen desperately needed this win. The 35-year-old German Turk has been heavily criticized within months of taking the job after four defeats in five games. Now, the team scored a liberating blow with a 2-1 win over previously unbeaten second-placed Leipzig.